Others, I assume, purchase private insurance for their family.

Also, how often is an application fee required when applying for financing with private lenders?

Sadly a lot of places are putting the upkeep cost of areas located near private property on the owners of that property.

Purchase a home that needs small updates that could be an easy flip in value and stay there while you renovate, then refinance or remove private mortgage insurance, followed by renting it out.

Nita, the Home in Morgan City is in Bigger Pockets "Market Place" and can't be discussed in this forum but, would be glad to discuss it with you by phone, e-mail or through private messaging

Private loans from ma and pa lenders are, in my opinion, the best way to finance up front (unless you can buy for cash).

But if you do have private resources then let's use those FIRST. 

You would need to initiate the contact yourself by sending a connect request and a private message.

The term "seasoning " is really only applicable when you are acquiring a property or doing something else with the title/deed -- often you need to allow the title to season for a specified amount of time before a bank is willing to touch it -- banks don't like uncertainty.Regarding @Christopher Richardson's suggestion, if a private lender does not file with the registry of deeds, I don't see how they are protected from the equity in the property.

Cash, private money or hard money will get you into the deal easily, but you need to know your exit.